Press Releases

The 27th annual golf outing to benefit the Wayne County Sheriff Youth & Senior Education Fund will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at the Warren Valley Golf Course in Dearborn Heights, MI.

Tee-offs are scheduled at 7:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. with registration at 6:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The event also includes lunch and dinner, an auction, prizes and trophies.

Since its inception in 1991, the fund has delivered hundreds of thousands of dollars in services for local charitable causes, reaching the greatest level of giving under the leadership of Sheriff Benny N. Napoleon, who serves as president of the volunteer board of directors. The mission of the 501(c)(3) fund is to enhance the quality of life for youth and senior citizens through educational and safety programs.

The annual golf outing is the main fundraiser for the Youth & Senior Education Fund.

Programs and services include summer camps for youth, free first-aid kits, drug awareness education, File of Life (medical and emergency information for seniors),

handgun safety education (Trigger Lock program), a Youth Safety Fair, senior emergency cell phones, safety brochures and window locks. The fund also donates to local community and charitable organizations that support youths and seniors.

Detroit (May 9, 2016) – You can't put a price on safety, but paying individuals to surrender weapons goes a long way toward increasing the peace. On Saturday, June 11, 2016 at the Mathis Community Center (19300 Greenfield Road, Detroit). Wayne County Sheriff Benny N. Napoleon, Caliber Collection and Judge Greg Mathis will hold a gun buy-back program--CASH FOR CALIBER--aimed at decreasing gun violence and innocent loss of life. Those interested in surrendering any type of unloaded gun may do so "no questions asked". In exchange, individuals will receive a $50 gift card for each gun surrendered.

"Gun buy-back programs are effective because it allows people to get rid of weapons in their homes they don't want around," said Sheriff Napoleon. "Too many of our babies and loved ones are falling victim to gun violence. This allows us to work together to get guns off the streets which will save lives."

While Gift cards are given on the spot, a unique bonus to gathering the high-caliber cache is that the serial numbers from the weapons collected are used to make the beautiful and collectable pieces of jewelry created by Jessica Mindich, CEO and President of the Caliber Collection, which will continue to raise more money to fund future fun buyback programs.

Over 1,500 have been acquired and fashioned into jewelry which has sold in more than 85 countries. Caliber Collection donates 20% of sales to gun buy-back programs and so far has raised more than $135,000 for police departments in Newark, Hartford, the San Francisco Bay Area and Detroit.

"Everybody can play a role in helping reduce gun violence. Whether it's participating in a buy-back program, designing jewelry made from gun metal or talking to your friends about the devastating impact illicit guns have in our communities," said Mindich. "I am proud to be a part of the Wayne County buy-back programs which is not only strengthening trust between law enforcement and the community, but is offering an opportunity to make homes and lives safer. Please join us in helping raise the caliber of the community by promoting peace."

Gun violence has taken an extreme toll in metro Detroit, killing more than 296 people in 2015. Detroit Police officials say last weekend was particularly deadly with more than 21 victims of gunfire resulting in six fatalities. Sadly, 12 children have been shot this year in Michigan with four dying from their injuries; nationwide, 194 children age 11 or younger have been injured or killed by gunfire (Source: Gun Violence Archive).

Renowned television judge and native Detroiter Hon. Greg Mathis is providing the Mathis Community Center to serve as the location of the event and will be on-site to assist the effort. "Cash for Caliber" will operate on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 10 a.m. and will run until the gift card supply has been depleted. Parking is available and the event will be staffed and secured by WCS personnel.

As a result of Caliber Collection's success, Mindich created the Caliber Foundation, which offers support to victims, families and communities affected by gun violence. The Caliber foundation is the grateful recipient of recent grants form Shepard Fairey/Obey Giant, Library Street Collective, Wylie E. Groves H.S., Illitch Holdings, Inc. and Rock Ventures. Mindich also founded the "Raise the Caliber Initiative," a national advocacy campaign to end illegal gun violence. Proceeds from Raise the Caliber partnerships are donated to the Caliber Foundation.

For more information on this unique line of jewelry and the associated Raise the Caliber partners and Caliber Foundation, log on to www.calibercollection.com.

WCS OFFICER ASSISTS IN INKSTER HOMICIDE

INKSTER (February 10, 2016) – Just after 7 a.m. today a Wayne County Sheriff's Deputy was conducting road patrols on Inkster Road near Annapolis when he heard about eight gunshots. The officer saw a male running from the housing projects at Moore Court just west of Inkster Road. The corporal stopped the individual and discovered he'd been shot in the hand and buttocks. The corporal contacted WCSO dispatch and requested EMS. Other WCS units deployed to the location, along with units from Westland Police. Minutes later a second subject was found at the Moore Court location suffering from fatal wounds. Officers from Wayne County Sheriff's Office turned the scene over to Inkster Police as they awaited Michigan State Police to take command.

WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFF NAPOLEON GETS "CRIME FIGHTER AWARD"

LANSING (January 22, 2016) – Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Michigan -- a statewide crime prevention non-profit organization led by more than 500 of Michigan's best-known police chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors and crime survivors -- has honored Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon with Fight Crime's "Crime Fighter Award," during a meeting held at the Wayne County Sheriffs office with local pastors.

Tom Pearce, Acting Michigan Director of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Michigan, presented the award to Napoleon, saying, "Preventing crime at the front end is in each community's best interest and in the best interest of our children. On behalf of the entire membership, I am honored to present Fight Crime's 2015 'Crime Fighter Award' to Sheriff Napoleon for his outstanding support and leadership on behalf of kids and crime prevention."

Napoleon has participated in meetings with lawmakers to tout the benefits of investing public dollars in proven programs to help kids succeed in school and beyond. Programs include high-quality preschool, voluntary home visiting, quality after-school programs, and child and family coaching that help kids get on track and stay on track to success and opportunity.

Pearce said, "Sheriff Napoleon's work has helped to set an agenda that is both tough and smart on crime. By getting at the front-end through prevention programs, we can nip crime in the bud and reduce the negative consequences at the tail-end that usually result in shattered lives and high costs associated with incarceration."

SHERIFF, DEPUTIES SHARE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WITH FAMILIES ACROSS WAYNE COUNTY

(December 21, 2015) – Sheriff Benny N. Napoleon and his deputies helped 120 area children and their families to have the best Christmas possible by allowing them (pre-selected based on level of need) to go on a shopping spree at the new Meijer on Grand River in Detroit. WCSO staff volunteers helped the kids shop for their favorite gifts with a spending cap of $200 each. And, each family received a $75 voucher for groceries. For an added treat, Detroit's favorite TV Judge Greg Mathis was onhand to help with the fun.

Since 2009, the Sheriff has blanketed the County on Christmas Eve delivering gifts to families experiencing economic stresses. But this year he and his team of deputized elves wanted to help the kids get exactly what they wanted thanks to a recent fundraiser, generous donations from sponsors and help from our good friends of Meijer!

RAID NETS DRUGS, GUNS AND CASH

(November 18, 2015) – A multi-agency effort led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office shut down a drug operation on Detroit's west side. Around 10 a.m., ATF agents and officers from the WCSO executed a search warrant on a home near Tireman and Evergreen and a storage unit in Dearborn that was associated with the subjects. The raid resulted in:

2 men arrested

over 1 kilo of Cocaine confiscated

several hundred prescription pills (Roxies) confiscated

three vehicles impounded

6 handguns

and over $60,000 in cash recovered

"We continuously receive calls from concerned citizens about dope men setting up shop in the neighborhood," said Sheriff Benny N. Napoleon. "Today, by assisting the ATF we were able to bring some peace to that community."

The men are being held in the Wayne County Jail pending charges.

WCSO ARRESTS MAN WANTED ON SEX CHARGES IN KY

(November 12, 2015) – Persistent investigative police work led Wayne County Sheriff's personnel to arrest a man wanted on multiple sexual charges after he applied for a job with the agency. The man, age 25, submitted an application for a police officer position in September which was throughly scrutinized for any violations or red flags that would preclude his employment. As the officer continued to dig into the individual's background out of state he discovered a litany of sex abuse charges:

Sexual Abuse 1st Degree (2 counts)

Sodomy 3rd Degree (4 counts)

Rape 3rd Degree (1 count)

The warrant was issued in Madison County, Kentucky in March, yet somehow the charges were not entered into a national database. The suspect was asked to come in to the Sheriff's Office to complete paperwork on November 10th to finalize the application process and was promptly arrested without incident. Sheriff Napoleon credits the investigator's keen sense and expertise with bringing the suspect to justice.

"I applaud this officer's efforts to do his job with the utmost diligence," said Sheriff Napoleon. "This officer's tenacity prevented a criminal from joining our ranks. Let this be a warning to anyone attempting to get a job with the Sheriff's Office--you will be screened thoroughly and completely in the interest of public safety, for our personnel and the citizens who interact with our jails."

Kentucky law enforcement officials are seeking extradition. A hearing will be held Friday, November 13, 2015 at 9 a.m. before Judge Deborah Thomas.

WC DEPUTIES END SUSPECTS' SPREE IN STOLEN CAR

(October 13, 2015) – Two alert Wayne County Road Patrol officers nabbed two teens attempting to flee police in a car reported stolen out of Taylor. The pair were spotted near Glenwood and Magnolia in Inkster around 3:30 Tuesday afternoon. Acting on information from Dearborn Heights Police, the corporals attempted to stop the stolen Charger in a traffic stop but the driver took off. The car drove through several streets before veering into a field and bumping into a pole near Palmer and Middlebelt Road.

The two inside then bolted from the car attempting to run on foot when officers stopped them. Officers took the 18 year old driver into custody. His license is suspended and he's also wanted for probation violation and retail fraud. Also detained, a 13 year old female passenger who will likely be turned over to parents or a guardian.

No one was injured in the incident and the owner of the Charger was contacted. Charges are pending. The arresting officers are assigned to the WCSO Road Patrol unit which is charged with patrolling secondary roads in Michigan.

Free Physical Abilities and On-site Testing Day Offered to Men and Women With Military Experience.

(October 6, 2015) – Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon is holding a special testing session for men and women with military service who are interested in applying for jobs working in the Wayne County Jails.The pre-hire Physical Abilities Test starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2015. The test—which is normally $50—will be free that day and takes place at Michigan Light Guard Armory, 4400 E. Eight Mile Road in Detroit (48234).

Those who pass the physical test will have the option that day of taking required written tests andsubmitting a job application to expedite the hiring process. The Sheriff’s Office has more than 150 vacant officer positions in the jails.New hires are paid a salary of $28,284, a $1,200 annual retention bonus, healthcare and other benefits.Included on the test, which must be completed within five minutes, 35 seconds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E-WWOh7mwk

·Carrying a 40-pound weight a distance of 100 feet

·Climbing up and down a four-step staircase 15 times

·Running about 330 feet around six cones

·Dragging a 165-pound dummy 45 feet

Test applicants must be at least 18 years of age and bring a driver’s license.A signed note from their doctor approving participation must also be presented at testing (health screening form available at http://www.misctc.org/downloads/LCOPAT_Health_Screen_Form.pdf.In addition to successful completion of the physical test, applicants for officer positions in the Wayne County Jails must have a high school diploma or GED and be qualified to obtain a concealed pistol license.Those with felony convictions will not be considered.

The 29-year-old woman allegedly conspired with a local man to scam individuals out of money by “selling” properties they’d obtained with phony Quit Claim Deeds. The pair unwittingly convinced interested buyers to sign purchase agreements for homes the pair didn’t actually own. One property (3290 Sherbourne in Detroit) was owned by a woman who died in 2012 but reverted back to the possession of Bank of America which holds a mortgage interest on the property. The woman and Bernard Hardrick reportedly sold it to a man on land contract for $3,000 and $650 a month.

“We’re seeing more and more of this scam which victimizes the potential homeowner in many ways—it steals their cash, their dreams of homeownership and their sense of trust,” said Sheriff Benny N. Napoleon. “On top of that, the real property owner now has to work to clear the title. Arresting these two may be just a dent, but it will be two less criminals out there stealing from hardworking citizens.”

Acting on a tip WCS officers initiated an investigation which led them to not only the scam regarding the property on Sherbourne but to another home at 18300 Glastonbury. At that property unsuspecting buyers also made a down payment of $3,000 cash and agreed to pay $400 a month for the property. Those property owners are now out of their cash, the value of any renovations they may have initiated and must find new locations to live. Adding insult to injury, Hardrick is allegedly attempting to continue taking in payments from his victims while behind bars.

The female suspect is facing charges of Uttering and Publishing, Forgery and Deed Fraud and is expected to be arraigned later this week. She’s also wanted on seven misdemeanor traffic warrants out of Detroit, Ypsilanti, Dearborn, Romulus and Ferndale. Hardrick was arraigned at the Detroit Re-entry Center on 28 counts of fraud relating to cases in Redford which also violated his parole. He will likely face similar charges with regard to the above-mentioned fraudulent sales.

WCS OFFICERS ARREST WOMAN MAKING THREATS ON LOCAL CAMPUS

Detroit (July 24, 2015) – WCS deputies arrested one woman on the WCCCD downtown campus after the woman allegedly made a violent threat in front of administration officials. The incident at the Fort Street campus.Witnesses stated that while attempting to enroll her son in college courses, the woman became enraged when her son was asked to return on Monday.The woman reportedly threatened “I’m gonna blow this ----- up” in the presence of officials who immediately informed campus security.

After a short search, Wayne County Deputies located the woman and asked if she had any weapons.Though she indicated she had a pocket knife, a search of the subject’s purse uncovered pepper spray and a .25 caliber loaded pistol. The gun was determined to be stolen out of San Jose, California. The woman was immediately taken into custody and could face charges of Terroristic Threats, CCW violations and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.No other information is available at this time.

(June 26, 2015) Detroit – The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office will offer a pre-hire Physical Abilities Test from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 27, 2015 for men and women interested in working as officers in the County jails.The test, which is normally $50, will be free that day and takes place at Cass Tech High School, 2501 Second Avenue in Detroit. Those who pass the physical test will have the option that day of taking required written tests andsubmitting a job application to expedite the hiring process. The Sheriff’s Office has nearly 90 vacant officer positions in the jails. New hires are paid a salary of $28,284, a $1,200 annual retention bonus, healthcare and other benefits.

In addition to successful completion of the physical test, applicants for officer positions in the Wayne County Jails must have a high school diploma or GED and be qualified to obtain a concealed pistol license.Those with felony convictions will not be considered.

Detroit (June 8, 2015) -- On Monday, June 8th and Tuesday, June 9th the Wayne County Sheriff's Office will assist the Unified Relay Across America Event rolling through Wayne County this afternoon. As the torch makes its way through the area, Wayne County vehicles will be stationed to assist with traffic. Safety will be key as participants make their way through the streets today beginning just after 4 p.m. Sheriff Benny Napoleon supports the effort which takes its cross-country road trip through Wayne County on Monday and Tuesday.

"Whenever the torch passes through our area, it gets everyone's attention because the Special Olympics does so much good for so many people," said Sheriff Napoleon. "With the nation watching this torch's trek, we want to ensure its success on this leg of the journey so organizers can continue doing the amazing things they do for these special Olympians!"

With unpredictable weather in the forecast, deputies will keep watch to ensure traffic is kept to a safe distance and that no issues occur as they pass through red lights.

JAILER TRAINEE GRADUATION TO BE HELD

Second class of the year will add 14 new hires, help reduce overtime.

Taylor (May 18, 2015) - On Tuesday, May 19, 2015, a numerous grueling weeks of training, a class of 14 men and women will graduate from New Officer Correction Training at the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. This is the second class of the year to be trained for positions in the three county jails.

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office conducts the 160-hour, state-mandated training to prepare officers to deal with the situations correctional personnel face in detainment, transportation and maintenance of inmates. The current graduating class is quite diverse with individuals of all faiths and races.

Detroit (May 7, 2015) – This Mother’s Day Sheriff Benny Napoleon and other law enforcement and community leaders want to spread the word that no women should cry or be harmed as a result of violence.In a continuing effort to decrease violence in our communities, Sheriff Napoleon is once again joining forces with Rev. Nicholas Hood III to shine a spotlight on crimes against women.The two team up annually to spread the word about not firing weapons to celebrate the New Year.But this May, they are extending the message to highlight how much we need to protect the women in our lives.

“We need to ensure that the women in our families and communities know their health, welfare and happiness is our highest priority,” said Sheriff Napoleon.“We cannot stand by while they are victimized and abused—we need to de-escalate the violence.I know we can do this together.”

We invite the media to come out to a press conference on Friday, May 8th at 12 p.m. in front of the Spirit of Detroit Statue located at 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit (Coleman A. Young Municipal Center).Leaders and representatives from the WCSO, Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, DPD, U.S. Marshalls and U.S. Attorney’s Office are expected to be present to support the message of no violence on Mother’s Day.

SHERIFF NAPOLEON, DRMM AND LELLI'S TO FEED FAMILIES IN NEED

Mother's Day focus emphasizes helping in a heart-warming, health way.

Detroit (April 30, 2015) – Good food with a heaping helping of brotherly love is the focus of a special event aimed at giving some special moms in the area a lift in anticipation of Mother’s Day.On Monday, May 4, 2015 at 4:30 p.m., Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon, volunteers from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Dr. Chad Audi, President/CEO of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries and Lelli’s Inn on the Green Restaurant will serve a Mother’s Day dinner to the women and children of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries’ Genesis House II facility.

Mark Zarkin, owner of Lelli’s, is donating the dinner he will prepare with help from his staff.Approximately 80 women and children are expected to be present for the dinner.Zarkin recently teamed up with Sheriff Napoleon in February to feed families in need at the Wayne County Family Center.

“Mother’s day is a perfect time to recognize challenges some mother face and how they lovingly tend to their children’s needs every day,” said Sheriff Benny N. Napoleon.“We just want to show them they are appreciated, that they’re not alone and we’re always near to assist in any way we can.”

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) has been serving Detroit’s homeless and addicted populations since 1909 and provides services to more than 1,800 individuals each day.The Genesis House II facility is one of 10 residential programs within the organization.It provides transitional housing to single women and women with children.

“It is always a pleasure to have Sheriff Napoleon and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office offer their support to our programs,” said Dr. Chad Audi, President and CEO for DRMM. “We are very excited to have them come to one of our facilities and provide dinner to our women and children.”

WCSO personnel are volunteering their time to serve the dinner.For more information about the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, or the event on May 4, please contact Rachael Williams, development specialist for DRMM at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or at 248-961-3653.

DDOT DRIVER ARRESTED IN PASSENGER ASSAULT

WCS Officer arrests driver moments after witnessing incident.

Detroit (February 3, 2015) – A DDOT driver was arrested by an alert Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy moments after the officer saw the driver striking a female passenger.The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. near the Northwest Campus of WCCCD on Outer Drive near the Southfield Freeway.

The bus had reached the end of its route when the driver asked the three remaining female passengers to leave.The trio allegedly began complaining about continuing on when the driver re-stated that it was the end of the line and that they had to leave as he was going to take a scheduled break.

Two of the females got off the bus and as the third exited the steps words were exchanged and the driver allegedly grabbed the woman and pulled her back on the bus.That is when the female stated the driver began attacking her in a physical altercation.A WCS deputy completing a perimeter check at WCCCD saw the driver hitting the female.He rushed to the bus, ordered the driver to stop and when the driver failed to comply the WCS officer used non-lethal chemical spray to get the driver to stop.It is not known if the individuals were known to one another.

Upon arrest the officer confiscated a handgun from the driver who had a valid CPL (though it is against regulations for DDOT drivers to carry weapons while driving).A DDOT supervisor responded to the scene, along with a Deputy Chief and two officers from the Transit Authority and WCCCD security.Both the female and the driver refused medical attention.The driver was transported to the Wayne County Road Patrol division for processing and determination of possible charges.No other information is available at this time.